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In May 2017 I had my first art exhibit. What made it so special was not only that it was my first, but that it was at the Watertown Public Library, where I worked during my high school and college years. I spent most of my time in the children's department, so this venue was very appropriate, since my illustrations are largely inspired by those picture books, I used to shelve.

I don't think any of the librarians I worked with are still there. But if one had come by and told me to get to work, it really would have felt like home.

2016 was an odd year. Difficult personally, but very fruitful creatively. Maybe one fueled the other? Without taking on the challenge of producing a picture book, or any other large scale project, I was able to have the most productive year of my life. I created a lot of illustrations, started a blog and will have my first art exhibit in April, at the Watertown Free Public Library. I'm excited about the exhibit and what 2017 might hold. Thanks for reading!

This series of simple, geometric animal illustrations started after I read the story of Cecil the Lion. Once I started, I couldn’t stop morphing the simple form into various other animals and telling their shared story.

The Little Prince (1943) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry has always been a favorite book of mine. Even before I even read it (I can't remember if this was due to being too young, or too lazy), the illustrations really captured my imagination.

I just had the pleasure of watching the new animated film, based on the book, on Netflix. It's a beautiful film. And while I didn't enjoy the third act, which is new material, its a faithful, adaptation, that honors the spirit of the book.

A still from the new animated film.

One of the themes of The Little Prince is, it is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. While I agree with this sentiment, the film version proves that there are some things worth seeing with both your heart and your eyes.

Unfinished illustration of Nick Censullo I did in 1990. He passed away before I could complete it.

My Uncle Nick was big influence on me when I was growing up. He was a talented artist and I remember his paintings hanging on the walls of our home. Uncle Nick was very supportive of my artistic efforts and his encouragement included giving me art supplies as Christmas and birthday gifts. I remember how whenever he would say good-bye, his parting words were always, “keep drawing.” I think he appreciated that part of his legacy would be his influence on me and my art. What better legacy could an uncle have?

Fashion illustration by Nick Censullo.

This fall, my niece Amber begins college to study fashion design and photography. She is very talented and I can't wait to see how she grows as an artist.

Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak (1963), has always been my favorite picture book. I say this realizing that it is a bit of a cliché. But it is the first book I can remember that I truly loved and would re-visit throughout my life. In kindergarten, we were allowed at some point during the day to pick a book from the small, one bookcase library, to sit and read. Every day I chose the same one, unless someone beat me to it. But I don't recall that happening at all.

The illustrations are so beautiful and while I didn't I related to Max being punished, I don't recall that happening much either. I did and still do relate to the imagination he displays. It can take you from somewhere mundane, to someplace wild.